These days you need to have a basic college degree to enter into high
paying or entry level office jobs. Yet, the idea of choosing
a University, going through the application process and then paying for
school can be daunting for most families. To get into the
school of your dreams and not break the bank, it just takes a little
planning.
The first phase of the process is to lay down the groundwork.
Whether your child is a freshman or senior they are going to need to
start thinking about college. Sitting down to look at your
academic plan through high school is a step that many families miss, or
start too late. Parents, teenagers and possibly school
advisors should sit down at the beginning of high school to pick which
honors classes the student wants to strive for and how
extra-curriculars can affect academic plans.
It is also important to round out outside of school
activities. Starting a sport or interest outside of school as
a freshman or sophomore can boost applications come senior time and
will give students a more well-rounded high school experience.
Students also need to take many standardized tests before even thinking
about school. Studies show that reading and learning
vocabulary can greatly increase test scores. Laying the groundwork by
having ambitious, but realistic academic goals, a well rounded list of
after-school activities and starting test prep early is essential to
having a great college application.
You also must be sure to start to organize all of your testing papers,
college brochures and notes on schools you might visit. You
can do this with your own organization system, or a great college
organization kit like the RRule! College Admissions Kit by RRules.
The second phase of the process is to do research. Each
student has different needs and interests and therefore the school that
is right for your friends, might not be right for you. Before
you start to book college tours, order applications and buy your
favorite school sweatshirt, think about you or your child's
interests. If they like to write, find schools with a strong
creative writing department. If students are still largely
undecided, then look into other activities. If sports are an
important part of you or your child’s life make sure that
schools you are looking at have a strong intramural sports program or
good teams.
I also highly recommend taking one or two college tours. If
you are short on cash, just pick a family vacation spot near some good
schools and stop along the way, or maybe your child can go stay with
relatives and visit schools in that area. In my opinion, the
more schools a student can visit the more informed their
decision. Even if a teen is not interested in a certain
school, if you are in the area it is always good to take a tour for
comparison... and you never know, he or she might like it after
all!
Don't rule out technical and career-training
schools! There are some great schools that offer classes in
specific areas--computer graphics, culinary arts, massage therapy and
social work.
Phase three is taking the plunge. Once you have made a list
of schools that fit your interests, its time to order applications and
start contacting alumni. Try to limit your list to about 10
schools. You want to have 50% of the schools on your list be
'safety' schools, or schools you are sure to get
into, 30% should be 'maybe' schools, where you have
a 50/50 chance of getting in and 20% should be
'reach' schools - the schools that are
difficult to get into.
Begin looking at applications and make a big calendar with all
important deadlines - don't forget to file financial
aid and scholarship forms and put them on your calendar. If
you start early you can find some really great scholarships and
financial help from the government, religious organizations or local
groups. Be creative! I once knew a biology student who got a
full 'scholarship' from a retired woman who never
got to go to college herself and loved science.
Phase four can be the most emotionally
demanding - waiting. The three or four months between
application deadlines and when decisions are sent out can wreak havoc
on kids, especially if they go to a academically competitive
school. Some schools have rolling admissions, where you send
in your application and then hear back within a few weeks, this can be
much less stressful.
The three or four month waiting process is a great time for teens and
parents to discuss issues like personal finance or budgeting, as well
as teaching kids how to do laundry and cook some basic meals.
Remember, the transition from home life to dorm life can be rocky, and
the more prepared a student is the better.
The summer before you go to college is a great time to start writing
down items you know you need to buy or bring to school, the earlier you
start the list, the less things you will forget.
Once the decisions come back, understand that the college process can
be a difficult one. Even if you do not feel like you have
gotten into the school of your choice, nothing is set in stone and you
can always transfer later. If you start the process early,
you will have a strong application and get into the school that is
perfect for you. Good luck!
About Vanessa
Vanessa is the Creator of RRules.com - an Editing Parenting Guide and
Teen Encyclopedia. Her mission is to improve parent and teen
relationships and their individual lifestyles. Read her Profile or
visit her Blog Page - Vanessa Van Petten
